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Kate Berry, wearing Tory’s Pheadra skirt and a Thom Browne shirt, photographed by Taylor Jewell at Emily Thompson Flowers in New York City
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The blooms at Emily Thompson Flowers in New York City, photographed by Taylor Jewell
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A bouquet at Emily Thompson Flowers in New York City, photographed by Taylor Jewell
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Kate Berry, wearing Tory’s Delphine trench and Pheadra skirt with a Thom Browne shirt and Brother Veillies shoes, photographed by Taylor Jewell outside of Emily Thompson Flowers in New York City
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Kate Berry, wearing Tory’s Delphine trench and Pheadra skirt with a Thom Browne shirt, photographed by Taylor Jewell outside of Emily Thompson Flowers in New York City
As a style director for Domino, Martha Stewart and other brands, Kate Berry can find herself doing anything from setting the stage for a magazine cover shoot to dipping flower petals in glitter for an A-list actress’ wedding bouquet. Here, she shares some holiday style and decor insight.
My story…
Now more than ever, I’m proud that my story started as an immigrant to the U.S. from Vietnam. I’m fortunate to have been given so many opportunities here. I also believe that my heritage has helped me give back to this country and I think that’s true of so many others here.
My style…
Practical, comfortable and appropriate to the occasion — with a hint of irreverence.
My holiday style go-to look…
People always say to add sparkle or shine to your holiday look, but I try to avoid looking like a tree ornament. I think elegant always works, whatever time of year.
My holiday decorating tip…
Early in my career, I worked as a floral designer in San Francisco. During the holidays, I would also create Christmas decor for some amazing San Francisco families, which could mean 15-hour days. But I would always start by decorating my own home early, so I could really fuss over my tree. I’d make garlands with incense cedar, which is super fragrant, for the mantel and doorways. At the end of the day, no matter how tired I was, as soon as I walked through the door and smelled the pine and saw my tree, I’d be in a festive mood again. Long story short: decorate early to fully enjoy the season.
Best fashion advice ever received…
I learned a lot from my dad. He always taught me to look for quality in anything I have spent my hard-earned money on.
And best decor advice ever received…
You really could apply this to anything, but when you are decorating or working on any project, a lot of it is about the preparation, not just the execution. I really learned this lesson from Martha Stewart and all my colleagues there.
Favorite holiday tradition…
Hawaii. My entire family, from my husband’s side to my daughter and her cousins, love the beach there in winter. It’s a special place to us.
Favorite gift to give holiday hosts…
I don’t have a standard gift. I think it’s important to personalize any gift to a time and place. For example, I once fell in love with the smell of the pine at David Rockefeller’s home in Maine, and as we were all leaving he gave each of us a sachet of the pine. It still smells wonderful to this day in my New York apartment.
And the most thoughtful gift I received as host…
I love receiving anything from a friend who’s traveled and it comes with a story from that journey. I always think that is super special and thoughtful.
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